AUSTIN, Texas — With immigration reform the next big topic before Congress, evangelical leaders from Texas are joining top conservative law enforcement and business leaders and heading to Washington, D.C., next week for “Americans for Reform: Immigration Reform for our Economy, Faith and Security.”

Coming off of a week of large events and small gatherings during “Pray4Reform: Gathered Together in Jesus’ Name,” these evangelical leaders are continuing the Evangelical Immigration Table‘s Pray for Reform campaign and will bring their prayers and their message to Washington next week.

Local evangelical leaders are available for media interviews. If you would like to arrange interviews either before or during the fly-in, please contact Dan Gordon, 202-383-5996.

The following are quotes from local Texas participants in the October 29 fly-in:

“As a boy, I fought for the street corner where I polished shoes just to eat. As a young man I fought to become an American citizen. I took the world stage as a ’68 Olympian boxer from Mexico, and I fought long and hard. To me, immigration reform is just the next 15-rounder. It’s too soon to quit and victory is within our grasp. This is a fight of conscience and conviction. I believe the ‘will’ is there. They just need a little encouragement to finish strong. I’m headed to Washington, D.C., to catch the victory round in the 113th Congress.”

“I’m headed to Washington, D.C., to encourage Congress that it’s time for immigration reform. At last House Republicans are taking a long look at our immigration reality. They have to choose between rounding up and deporting 12 million immigrants or else giving those hardworking people who qualify a chance to live in the open and contribute to our future. Immigrants are generally independent, hardworking, pro-family, pro-faith, pro-life, entrepreneurial, self-supporting people who work hard to get ahead. They are no threat. Truth is they are the bright future for America.”

“The time for substantive immigration reform is now. Huddled masses are still yearning to breathe free. We cannot, we must not hold them hostage in order to advance our own political agenda. We pray for daily bread. Our immigrant brothers and sisters are being used by God to help in providing that daily bread. Should we not honor their efforts by setting aside political ideology and advancing meaningful immigration reform? I see many hardworking immigrants who are far from being bread takers. They are bread makers. They should be at the table with all Americans feasting on that bread. Thoughtful immigration reform will bring them closer to the table. If we take seriously the command of God to treat the alien and stranger with dignity, let’s set aside our differences and simply obey the command. If we fail to do so, then let’s openly tell the world that caring for immigrants is nothing more than an option.”

“The need for immigration reform must be talked about in terms of those who cross and those who hire. Both are huge problems. But no party or government can stop the flow of civilization that marches to the desire of a better and more productive way of life. Our nation’s past was built on that march. Our best future will be a continued embrace of that march. It’s now time for immigration reform!”